I've been going through the above threads (or below threads, now, I guess) with interest, and smile at how many people are eager to get a real sword. I can't lie, I'm one of them. Spent hundreds on crappy 440 stainless steel things through the years, and finally splashed out on a Paul Chen earlier this week.

However, in one of the posts, I read that Paul Chen's swords are below par.. this disappointed me somewhat, to think that I'm still getting conned after feeling such confidence of otherwise, and spending so much on one.

So, here's the question - I live in the UK. I've seen links to sword shops, but I think they're all American. I'm not a rich man, I don't want to spend thousands on a sword, let alone hundreds on postage too [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif[/IMG] So please, if anybody in the UK knows of a site where I can get myself a proper sword, preferably for under a grand, please let me know, and I'll be grateful.

It's mostly for display than to practice with, but I want to own a realsword because I feel like just another wannabe with 440 Stainless printed on all my swords [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif[/IMG]

There is a suprising(to me) amount of proper instruction available in the UK. A lot of the UK guys hang out at http://www.swordforum.com in the Japanese Sword Arts Forum. I'd strongly recommend finding proper instruction prior to making such a large purchase. You've been burned many times before apparently. If you want to avoid being burned again, find out what you need before spending the money again.

Even if you find a good blade that doesn't mean it is the right size, shape, or type for any particular given style. You may purchase a fantastic weapon, only to later find out you still can't train with it because it's too short, or too long, etc.

If you want my advice, go to a Renaissance faire or knife convention. Then, find what you like and research the smith before you buy. You would find much better results than asking us, plus you will get a blade that suits you better.

Good luck, and if you do find a good sword, come back and tell us where.